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City of Mount Vernon 2019 Legislative Priorities

At their November 14 meeting, City Council gave final approval to Mayor Boudreau’s proposed list of 2019 Legislative Priorities for the City of Mount Vernon.

The list was formed in partnership with the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) and it names specific items that the Mayor and Council believe are the most pressing topics needing to be brought before our Washington State legislators.

The City’s newly completed Flood Protection and Revitalization Project will “lift” the city’s historic downtown core out of the 100-year flood zone, and will position local businesses for even greater success in the years to come.

“We are transitioning now into the economic development phase of our master plan with an exciting community infrastructure project,” Mayor Boudreau said, referring to the mixed-use Library/Community Center/Parking Structure project. A collaborative venture that is listed as the first item of the City’s 2019 Legislative Priorities.

The named priorities that City leadership is anticipating to bring before the State legislature include: - A $4 million request for a State Capital budget allocation to assist the City and Skagit County in funding a joint-project Public Library/Community Center/Parking Structure - A funding request for Basic Law Enforcement Academy classes - A request to reserve State-shared revenues with cities - A number of Homelessness & Housing requests, to include expansion of housing choices and affordability, an increase of density regulations, funding of the Housing Trust Fund, and increased funding for mental health services. - Addressing the failing behavioral health system with practical programs such as mental health co-responder programs, permanent supportive housing, and a mental health system that provides regional equity.

The linked two-page document from the City reveals a more detailed look at the city’s 2019 Legislative Priorities.